Communication apparatus and method to generate and transmit MAC information fields

ABSTRACT

Communication operations are optimally conducted by applying space-division multiple access in which wireless resources on a spatial axis are shared among a plurality of users. By applying an RD protocol to a communication system that conducts space-division multiple access, spatially multiplexed frames in a TXOP are made more efficient. By specifying a frame length for reverse direction frames with reverse direction permission information and having respective transmitters of reverse direction frames make their frame lengths uniform while respecting the specification, AGC operation stabilizes. Also, a transmit start time for reverse direction frames can be specified by reverse direction permission information, and respective transmitters of reverse direction frames can transmit frames at the same time while respecting the specification.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/996,019, filed Jan. 14, 2016, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/318,368,filed Dec. 21, 2011, which is a National Stage of PCT/JP2010/054580,filed Mar. 17, 2010, and claims the priority from prior JapanesePriority Patent Application JP 2009-113871 filed in the Japan PatentOffice on May 8, 2009. Each of the above-referenced applications ishereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a communication apparatus and method, acomputer program, and a communication system whereby throughput isimproved for an entire plurality of users by applying space-divisionmultiple access (SDMA) in which wireless resources on a spatial axis areshared among a plurality of users. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to a communication apparatus and method, a computerprogram, and a communication system whereby an RD (Reverse Direction)protocol is adopted and spatially multiplexed frames in an exclusivechannel usage period (TXOP) are made more efficient.

BACKGROUND ART

Wireless communication eliminates the burden of wiring work for wiredcommunication of the past, and is additionally catered for usage as atechnology that realizes mobile communication. For example, IEEE (TheInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 may be citedas an established standard regarding wireless LANs (Local AreaNetworks). IEEE 802.11a/g is already widely prevalent.

With many wireless LAN systems such as IEEE 802.11, an access controlprotocol based on carrier sense such as CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense MultipleAccess with Collision Avoidance) is implemented, with each station beingconfigured to avoid carrier collisions during random channel access. Inother words, a station that has produced a transmission request firstmonitors the medium state for a given frame interval DIFS (DistributedInter Frame Space), and if no transmitted signal exists during thisspace, the station conducts a random backoff. In the case where notransmission signal exists in this space as well, the station obtains anexclusive channel usage transmission opportunity (TXOP), and is able totransmit a frame. Also, “virtual carrier sensing” may be cited as amethodology for resolving the hidden terminal problem in wirelesscommunication. More specifically, in the case where duration informationfor reserving the medium is stated in a received frame not addressed tothe receiving station, that station predicts that the medium will be inuse for a period corresponding to the duration information, or in otherwords virtually senses the carrier, and sets a transmission pause period(NAV: Network Allocation Vector). In so doing, channel exclusivityduring a TXOP is assured.

Meanwhile, with the IEEE 802.11a/g standard, orthogonalfrequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is used in the 2.4 GHZ band orthe 5 GHz band to support a modulation method that achieves a maximumcommunication rate (physical layer data rate) of 54 Mbps. Also, with thestandard's amendment IEEE 802.11n, MIMO (Multi-Input Multi-Output)communication methods are adopted to realize even higher bit rates.Herein, MIMO is a communication method that realizes spatiallymultiplexed streams by providing a plurality of antenna elements at boththe transmitter end and the receiver end (as is commonly known).Although high throughput (HT) exceeding 100 Mbps can be achieved withIEEE 802.11n, even greater speeds are being demanded as the informationsize of transmitted content increases.

For example, by increasing the number of antennas on a MIMOcommunication device to increase the number of spatially multiplexedstreams, throughput for 1-to-1 communication can be improved whilemaintaining backwards compatibility. However, improvements in per-userthroughput for communication as well as in throughput for multiple usersoverall are being demanded for the future.

The IEEE 802.11ac Working Group is attempting to formulate a wirelessLAN standard whose data transfer rate exceeds 1 Gbps by using thefrequency band below 6 GHz. For its realization, space-division multipleaccess methods whereby wireless resources on a spatial axis are sharedby a plurality of users, such as multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) or SDMA(Space-Division Multiple Access), are effective.

For example, there has been proposed a communication system thatcombines the two technologies of carrier sensing in the legacy IEEE802.11 standard and space-division multiple access with an adaptivearray antenna by using RTS, CTS, and ACK frames in a frame format thatmaintains backwards compatibility with the legacy 802.11 standard (seePTL 1, for example).

Also, with IEEE 802.11n, an RD (Reverse Direction) protocol is adoptedin order to make data transmission in an exclusive channel usage period(TXOP) more efficient. With an ordinary TXOP, only one-way data transferis conducted wherein the station that has obtained an exclusive channelusage right transmits a data frame. In contrast, with the RD protocol,two roles called the RD initiator and the RD responder are defined. As aresult of the RD initiator indicating an RDG (RD Grant), or in otherwords permitting or granting reverse data transfer, in a specific fieldin a MAC (Media Access Control) frame sent by the RD initiator(downlink), the RD responder is subsequently able to transmit a dataframe in the reverse direction (uplink) addressed to the RD initiator inthe same TXOP (see PTL 2, for example).

At this point, a communication system conducting space-division multipleaccess can improve throughput for multiple users overall (discussedabove), but it is thought that spatially multiplexed frames in a TXOPcan be more even more efficient by applying the RD protocol defined inIEEE 802.11n.

However, consider a practical configuration wherein an access pointtakes the role of an RD initiator, and a plurality of terminals take therole of RD responders, for example. In this case, when data frames aresent from the plurality of terminals plurality of terminals to theaccess point by uplink, the access point will be unable to separateusers unless the respective stations multiplex their frames at the sametime.

Also, in the case of applying space-division multiple access to awireless LAN, the case of multiplexing variable-length frames on thesame time axis is conceivable. However, if the lengths of the framessent from respective stations differ, then the received signal power atthe access point will vary drastically as the amount of framemultiplexing increases or decreases. This induces unstable operationwith respect to automatic gain control (AGC), and there is also apossibility of problems occurring from various perspectives, such as thepower distribution in a frame becoming no longer constant with respectto the RCPI (Received Channel Power Indicator) standardized in IEEE802.11.

In short, a plurality of RD responders requires frames to be sent to anaccess point at the same time, and additionally requires it to beconfigured such that even if a plurality of frames with differentlengths are sent from an upper layer, the lengths of the framesultimately sent from the PHY layer are made to be uniform.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

PTL 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.2004-328570

PTL 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.2006-352711, paragraphs 0006 to 0007

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

An object of the present invention is to provide a superiorcommunication apparatus and method, a computer program, and acommunication system able to optimally communicate by applyingspace-division multiple access in which wireless resources on a spatialaxis are shared among a plurality of users.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a superiorcommunication apparatus and method, a computer program, and acommunication system able to make spatially multiplexed frames in a TXOPmore efficient by adopting an RD protocol.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a superiorcommunication apparatus and method, a computer program, and acommunication system able to realize space-division multiple accesswherein a plurality of RD responders make their frame lengths equal toeach other and transmit them to an RD initiator at the same time.

Solution to Problem

Being devised in light of the foregoing problems, the inventiondescribed in Claim 1 of this application is a communication apparatus,comprising:

a data processor that processes transmit/receive frames; and

a communication unit that transmits and receives frames;

wherein

the data processor adds reverse direction permission information, whichindicates that reverse direction frame transmission is permitted, toindividual frames in a plurality of frames to be sent at the same time,and

the communication unit multiplexes and transmits the plurality of framesat the same time, and also receives respective frames obeying thereverse direction permission information from respective communicationapparatus that received the plurality of frames.

According to the invention described in Claim 2 of this application, itis configured such that the communication unit of a communicationapparatus according to Claim 1 is provided with a plurality of antennaelements able to function as an adaptive array antenna with weightsapplied, wherein the communication unit multiplexes and transmits theplurality of frames at the same time, and also receives a plurality offrames sent at the same time from other communication apparatus.

According to the invention described in Claim 3 of this application, itis configured such that the data processor of a communication apparatusaccording to Claim 1 specifies, with the reverse direction permissioninformation, a frame length for frames sent in the reverse direction.

According to the invention described in Claim 4 of this application, itis configured such that the data processor of a communication apparatusaccording to Claim 1 specifies, with the reverse direction permissioninformation, a transmit start time for frames sent in the reversedirection.

The invention described in Claim 5 of this application is acommunication apparatus, comprising:

a data processor that processes transmit/receive frames; and

a communication unit that transmits and receives frames;

wherein

in response to receiving a frame with reverse direction additionalinformation added thereto, the data processor generates a reversedirection frame having a frame length specified by the reverse directionadditional information, and the communication unit transmits the reversedirection frame at a given timing.

Also, the invention described in Claim 6 of this application is a

communication apparatus, comprising:

a data processor that processes transmit/receive frames; and

a communication unit that transmits and receives frames;

wherein

in response to receiving a frame with reverse direction additionalinformation added thereto, the data processor generates a reversedirection frame, and the communication unit transmits the reversedirection frame at a transmit start time specified by the reversedirection additional information.

Also, the invention described in Claim 7 of this application is acommunication method including:

a step that generates a plurality of frames with reverse directionpermission information, which indicates that reverse direction frametransmission is permitted, added thereto;

a step that transmits the plurality of frames at the same time; and

a step that receives respective frames obeying the reverse directionpermission information from respective communication apparatus thatreceived the plurality of frames.

Also, the invention described in Claim 8 of this application is acomputer program stated in computer-readable format such that acommunication apparatus executes processing for transmitting frames on acomputer, the program causing the computer to function as

a data processor that processes transmit/receive frames, and

a communication unit that transmits and receives frames,

wherein

the data processor adds reverse direction permission information, whichindicates that reverse direction frame transmission is permitted, toindividual frames in a plurality of frames to be sent at the same time,and

the communication unit multiplexes and transmits the plurality of framesat the same time, and also receives respective frames obeying thereverse direction permission information from respective communicationapparatus that received the plurality of frames.

A computer program in accordance with Claim 8 of this application isdefined to be a computer program stated in a computer-readable formatsuch that given processing is executed on a computer. In other words, byinstalling a computer program in accordance with Claim 8 of thisapplication onto a computer, cooperative action is exhibited on thecomputer, and operational advantages similar to those of a communicationapparatus in accordance with Claim 1 of this application can beobtained.

Also, the invention described in Claim 9 of this application is acommunication system, comprising:

a first communication apparatus that transmits a plurality of frames atthe same time, the plurality of frames having reverse directionpermission information, which indicates that reverse direction frametransmission is permitted, added thereto; and

a plurality of second communication apparatus that each receives theframe addressed to itself from among the plurality of frames, andtransmits a reverse direction frame, addressed to the first station,that obeys the specifications of the reverse direction permissioninformation.

However, the “system” discussed herein refers to the logical assembly ofa plurality of apparatus (or function modules realizing specificfunctions), and it is not particularly specified whether or notrespective apparatus or function modules exist within a single housing.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a superiorcommunication apparatus and method, a computer program, and acommunication system able to optimally communicate by applyingspace-division multiple access in which wireless resources on a spatialaxis are shared among a plurality of users.

According to the inventions described in Claims 1, 2, and 7 to 9 of thisapplication, the RD protocol defined in IEEE 802.11n is applied to acommunication system that conducts space-division multiple access. In sodoing, after an access point has sent spatially multiplexed framesaddressed to a plurality of terminals in an acquired TXOP, frametransmission can be subsequently conducted in the reverse direction fromrespective terminals, and thus spatially multiplexed frames in a TXOPcan be made more efficient.

In the case where the reverse direction frames to be sent obeyingreverse direction permission information are not the same length, thereis a problem in that unstable operation with respect to AGC will occurat the end that receives the plurality of reverse direction frames asthe amount of multiplexing in the frames being received increases ordecreases. In contrast, according to the inventions described in Claims3 and 5 of this application, since a frame length for frames sent in thereverse direction is specified by reverse direction permissioninformation, respective transmitters of reverse direction frames maketheir frame lengths uniform while respecting the specification. In sodoing, destabilization of AGC operation can be avoided.

Also, in the case where the frame lengths are not the same for aplurality of frames with reverse direction permission information addedthereto, the timings at which transmission of reverse direction framesis started after the respective frame recipient stations finishreceiving a frame become different, and the plurality of reversedirection frames stop being multiplexed at the same time. In contrast,according to the inventions described in Claims 4 and 6 of thisapplication, since a transmit start time is specified for reverseddirection frames by reverse direction permission information, respectivetransmitters of reverse direction frames transmit frames at the sametime while respecting the specification. In so doing, the plurality ofreverse direction frames can be optimally multiplexed.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description based onembodiments of the present invention and the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of acommunication system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of acommunication apparatus able to apply space-division multiple access toconduct multiplexing for multiple users.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of acommunication apparatus conforming to a legacy standard such as IEEE802.11a without applying space-division multiple access.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary communication sequence forthe case where, given the communication system illustrated in FIG. 1with a station STA0 which operates as an access point being the datasource and respective stations STA1 to STA3 which operate as terminalsbeing data recipients, STA0 simultaneously transmits transmit framesaddressed to the respective stations STA1 to STA3 multiplexed on aspatial axis.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a modification applying an RD protocolto the exemplary communication sequence illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary communication sequence forthe case of a station STA0 which operates as an access point being thedata source and respective stations STA1 to STA3 which operate asterminals being data recipients, wherein an RD protocol is applied andthe frame lengths are made the same for frames sent in the reversedirection by the respective stations STA1 to STA3.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary communication sequence forthe case of a station STA0 which operates as an access point being thedata source and respective stations STA1 to STA3 which operate asterminals being data recipients, wherein an RD protocol is applied andthe respective stations STA1 to STA3 transmit reverse direction dataframes at the same time.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing sequence wherein, giventhe communication sequences illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, thecommunication apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2 operates as an accesspoint (STA0) and transmits multiplexed frames addressed to a pluralityof stations at the same time.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing sequence wherein, giventhe communication sequences illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, thecommunication apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2 operates as one of theterminals (STA1 to STA3) and transmits multiplexed frames addressed to aplurality of stations at the same time.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described indetail and with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a configuration of a communicationsystem in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Theillustrated communication system is composed of a station STA0 whichoperates as an access point (AP) and a plurality of stations STA1, STA2,and STA3 which operate as terminals (MTs).

Each of the stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 contain the station STA0 intheir respective communication ranges, and each is able to directlycommunicate with STA0 (in other words, the respective stations STA1,STA2, and STA3 are placed subordinate to STA0 acting as an access pointto constitute a BSS (Basic Service Set)). However, the respectivestations STA1, STA2, and STA3 acting as terminals are not required toexist within each other's communication ranges, and hereinafter directcommunication between terminals will not be discussed.

Herein, STA0 acting as an access point consists of a communicationapparatus which is provided with a plurality of antennas and whichconducts space-division multiple access with an adaptive array antenna.STA0 allocates wireless resources on a spatial axis to multiple users,and multiplexes frame communication. In other words, STA0 is acommunication apparatus that conforms to a new standard such as IEEE802.11ac, conducting one-to-many frame communication by multiplexing twoor more frames addressed to different recipient stations on the sametime axis and by separating, by source, frames addressed to STA0 itselfwhich two or more stations have multiplexed on the same time axis andsent. By equipping STA0 with more antennas, it is possible to increasethe number of terminals that can be spatially multiplexed. Obviously,STA0 may also individually conduct one-to-one frame communication withthe respective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3, rather than just applyingspace-division multiple access to conduct one-to-many framecommunication with the respective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3.

Meanwhile, the stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 acting as terminals consistof communication apparatus which are provided with a plurality ofantennas and which conduct space-division multiple access with anadaptive array antenna. However, since STA1, STA2, and STA3 conduct userseparation only when receiving and do not conduct user separation whentransmitting, or in other words transmit frame multiplexing, they arenot required to be equipped with as many antennas as the access point.Furthermore, at least some of the terminals may be communicationapparatus which conform to a legacy standard such as IEEE 802.11a. Inother words, the communication system illustrated in FIG. 1 is acommunication apparatus in which communication devices of the newstandard and communication devices of the legacy standard are mixed.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a communicationapparatus able to apply space-division multiple access to conductmultiplexing for multiple users. In the communication system illustratedin FIG. 1, the station STA0 which operates as an access point or thesubset of stations compatible with space-division multiple access fromamong the stations STA1 to STA3 which act as terminals are taken to beprovided with the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2 and to communicateaccording to a new standard.

The illustrated communication apparatus is composed of Ntransmit/receive signal branches 20-1, 20-2, . . . , 20-N provided withantenna elements 21-1, 21-2, . . . , 21-N, and a data processor 25,connected to each of the transmit/receive signal branches 20-1, 20-2, .. . , 20-N, that processes transmit/receive data (where N is an integerequal to or greater than 2). This plurality of antenna elements 21-1,21-2, . . . , 21-N is able to function as an adaptive array antenna byapplying suitable adaptive array antenna weights to each antennaelement. The station STA0 acting as an access point conductsspace-division multiple access with an adaptive array antenna, and byhaving many antenna elements, it is possible to increase the number ofterminals that can be accommodated by multiple access.

In the respective transmit/receive signal branches 20-1, 20-2, . . . ,20-N, the respective antenna elements 21-1, 21-2, . . . , 21-N areconnected to transmit signal processors 23-1, 23-2, . . . , 23-N andreceive signal processors 24-1, 24-2, . . . , 24-N via duplexers 22-1,22-2, . . . , 22-N.

When transmit data is generated in response to a transmission requestfrom an upper-layer application, the data processor 25 divides it amongthe respective transmit/receive signal branches 20-1, 20-2, . . . ,20-N. Also, when transmit data addressed to multiple users, or in otherwords the respective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3, is generated inresponse to a transmission request from an upper-layer application inthe case where the communication apparatus is STA0 which operates as anaccess point, the data processor 25 spatially separates the data bymultiplying it by the transmit adaptive array antenna weights for eachtransmit/receive signal branch, and then divides the data among therespective transmit/receive signal branches 20-1, 20-2, . . . , 20-N.However, the transmitted “spatial separation” referred to herein istaken to mean only user separation which spatially separates each usertransmitting a frame at the same time.

Each of the transmit signal processors 23-1, 23-2, . . . , 23-N performsgiven signal processing such as coding and modulation on a transmitdigital baseband signal supplied from the data processor 25. After that,D/A conversion is performed, and the result is additionally upconvertedto an RF (Radio Frequency) signal and power-amplified. Then, thesetransmit RF signals are supplied to the antenna elements 21-1, 21-2, . .. , 21-N via the duplexers 22-1, 22-2, . . . , 22-N, and broadcast overthe air.

Meanwhile, in the respective receive signal processors 24-1, 24-2, . . ., 24-N, when received RF signals are supplied from the antenna elements21-1, 21-2, . . . , 21-N via the duplexers 22-1, 22-2, . . . , 22-N, thesignals are low-noise-amplified and the downconverted to analog basebandsignals. After that, D/A conversion is performed, and given signalprocessing such as decoding and demodulation is additionally performed.

The data processor 25 spatially separates received digital signals inputfrom the respective receive signal processors 24-1, 24-2, . . . , 24-Nby multiplying each signal by a receive adaptive array antenna weight.Once the transmit data from each user, or in other words the individualstations STA1, STA2, and STA3, is reconstructed, the data processor 25passes the data to an upper-layer application. However, the received“spatial separation” referred to herein is taken to include the meaningof both user separation which spatially separates each user transmittinga frame at the same time, and channel separation which separates aspatially multiplexed MIMO channel into the original plurality ofstreams.

Herein, in order for the plurality of antenna elements 21-1, 21-2, . . ., 21-N to function as an adaptive array antenna, the data processor 25controls the respective transmit signal processors 23-1, 23-2, . . . ,23-N and the respective receive signal processors 24-1, 24-2, . . . ,24-N such that transmit adaptive array antenna weights are applied totransmit data that has been divided among the respectivetransmit/receive signal branches 20-1, 20-2, . . . , 20-N, and also suchthat receive adaptive array antenna weights are applied to received datafrom the respective transmit/receive signal branches 20-1, 20-2, . . . ,20-N. Also, the data processor 25 learns the adaptive array antennaweights prior to space-division multiple access with the respectivestations STA1, STA2, and STA3. For example, adaptive array antennaweights can be learned by using a given adaptive algorithm such as RLS(Recursive Least Square) on a training signal (discussed later)consisting of established sequences received from the respective peersSTA1 to STA3.

The data processor 25 executes processes in respective layers of acommunication protocol for a media access control (MAC) methodimplemented by the communication system illustrated in FIG. 1, forexample. Also, the respective transmit/receive signal branches 20-1,20-2, . . . , 20-N execute processing that corresponds to the PHY layer,for example. As discussed later, frames sent from an upper layer areadjusted to have a given length when ultimately sent from the PHY layer.However, such frame length control is not particularly limited to beingconducted by the data processor 25 or one of the respectivetransmit/receive signal branches 20-1, 20-2, . . . , 20-N.

Herein, the stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 acting as terminals areprovided with a plurality of antennas and conduct space-divisionmultiple access with an adaptive array antenna. However, since STA1,STA2, and STA3 conduct user separation only when receiving and do notconduct user separation when transmitting, or in other words transmitframe multiplexing, they are not required to be equipped with as manyantennas as the access point.

Also, FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a communicationapparatus conforming to a legacy standard such as IEEE 802.11a withoutapplying space-division multiple access. In the communication system inFIG. 1, there exists a station, among the stations STA1 to STA3 whichoperate as terminals, that is provided with the configurationillustrated in FIG. 3 and which communicates according to a legacystandard.

The illustrated communication apparatus is composed of atransmit/receive signal branch 30 provided with an antenna element 31,and a data processor 35, connected to this transmit/receive signalbranch 30, that processes transmit/receive data. Also, in thetransmit/receive signal branch 30, the antenna element 31 is connectedto a transmit signal processor 33 and a receive signal processor 34 viaa duplexer 32.

The data processor 35 generates transmit data in response to atransmission request from an upper-layer application, and outputs it tothe transmit/receive signal branch 30. The transmit signal processor 33performs given signal processing such as coding and modulation on atransmit digital baseband signal. After that, D/A conversion isperformed, and the result is additionally upconverted into an RF signaland power-amplified. Then, this transmit RF signal is supplied to theantenna element 31 via the duplexer 32 and broadcast over the air.

Meanwhile, in the receive signal processor 34, when a received RF signalis supplied from the antenna element 31 via the duplexer 32, the signalis low-noise-amplified and then downconverted to an analog basebandsignal. After that, D/A conversion is performed, and given signalprocessing such as decoding and demodulation is additionally performed.Once the original transmitted data is reconstructed from the receiveddigital signal input from the receive signal processor 34, the dataprocessor 35 passes the data to an upper-layer application.

In the communication system illustrated in FIG. 1, STA0 acting as anaccess point is able to function as an adaptive array antenna byapplying adaptive array antenna weights to the plurality of antennaelements 21-1, 21-2, . . . , 21-N, and is thereby able to createdirectionality with respect to the respective stations STA1 to STA3. Asa result, it is possible to separate wireless resources on a spatialaxis for each user and transmit a plurality of multiplexed framesaddressed to the respective stations STA1 to STA3 at the same time.Also, by functioning as an adaptive array antenna, STA0 is able tospatially separate and receive respective frames sent at the same timefrom the respective stations STA1 to STA3.

Herein, in order for the plurality of antenna elements 21-1, 21-2, . . ., 21-N to function as an adaptive array antenna, adaptive array antennaweights must be learned in advance. For example, STA0 may learn adaptivearray antenna weights by acquiring a transfer function from trainingsignals consisting of established sequences respectively received fromthe stations STA1 to STA3. Alternatively, STA0 may learn adaptive arrayantenna weights directly by using a given adaptive algorithm such as RLSon training signals individually received from a plurality of peers.

Regardless of the learning method, STA0 needs the respective stationsSTA1 to STA3 to transmit training signals in order to learn adaptivearray antenna weights. Also, in a communication environment wherecommunication apparatus that only follow a legacy standard also exist,training signals must be transmitted while avoiding interference due tothe communication apparatus that only follow the legacy standard,similarly to how ordinary frame exchange sequences must be carried outwhile avoiding carrier collisions. In other words, STA0 need to learnadaptive array antenna weights while preserving backwards compatibilitywith the legacy standard.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary communication sequence for learningadaptive array antenna weights on the basis of training signals. In theillustrated example, it is configured such that the station to conductlearning transmits a training request (TRQ) frame requestingtransmission of a training signal, and respective nearby stations thatreceive the TRQ frame respectively reply with a training framecontaining an established sequence used for learning. Herein, thestation STA4 in FIG. 4, although not included in FIG. 1, is a stationthat conforms to a legacy standard, and is taken to be a hidden terminalexisting within the communication range of at least one of the stationsSTA0 to STA3.

STA0 acting as an access point conducts physical carrier sensing inadvance to confirm that the medium is clear, and after additionallyconducting a backoff, is able to acquire a period TXOP during which STA0can use the channel exclusively. The access point uses this TXOP totransmit a TRQ frame. Since adaptive array antenna weights have not beenlearned at this point (in other words, the plurality of antenna elements21-1, 21-2, . . . , 21-N are not functioning are an adaptive arrayantenna), the TRQ frame is sent nondirectionally.

The TRQ frame includes fields in accordance with the legacy standardIEEE 802.11, and is taken to state duration information, which requeststhat stations to which the TRQ is not addressed (hidden terminals) set aNAV counter value corresponding to the period until the signaltransmission sequence ends (in the illustrated example, until ACKtransmission is completed).

In the case where STA4, which conforms to the legacy standard, receivesthe above TRQ frame which does not include STA4 itself as a recipient,STA4 sets a NAV counter value on the basis of the duration informationstated in the frame, and refrains from transmission operations.

In the station arrangement illustrated in FIG. 1, a TRQ frame sent fromSTA0 will reach the respective stations STA1 to STA3. In response, andafter a given frame interval SIFS (Short Inter Frame Space) has elapsedsince receiving the TRQ frame stating the addresses of STA1 to STA3themselves as recipient addresses, the respective stations STA1 to STA3respectively reply with training frames (Training 1, Training 2,Training 3) containing established sequences which can be used foradaptive array antenna learning.

In the present embodiment, in order to learn adaptive array antennaweights while preserving backwards compatibility with a legacy standard,a training frame consists of a leading field that obeys the legacystandard IEEE 802.11, and a trailing field that is notbackwards-compatible with the legacy standard and which includes anestablished sequence for training. In the leading field that obeys thelegacy standard, spoofing is performed to cause nearby stationsconforming to the legacy standard to mistakenly believe that thetraining frame will continue until the time at which subsequent ACKtransmission is completed. This spoofing is performed in order to causesuch nearby stations to refrain from transmission operations throughoutthe period lasting until the signal transmission sequence ends.Meanwhile, for details regarding spoofing technology, refer to JapaneseUnexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-252867 previouslygranted to the Applicant, for example.

Also, in the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the respective stations STA1to STA3 are configured to transmit training frames simultaneously.

At this point, a method that transmits respective training frames bytime division is also conceivable. However, if training frames are sentby time division, the period lasting until all training frames are sent(in other words, the transmission standby period for nearby stations)will become longer as the number of stations replying with a trainingframe (in other words, the number of stations which must be learned)increases, thus leading to decreases in overall system throughput andincreases in overhead. Also, a nearby station (hidden terminal) that isonly able to receive a training frame sent on the later end of the timeaxis may have its NAV counter value expire before the training framearrives. Thus, there is a possibility that the nearby station mayinitiate transmission operations and carrier collisions may becomeunavoidable. For these reasons, in the present embodiment, therespective stations STA1 to STA3 transmit training framessimultaneously.

Meanwhile, after completing transmission of a TRQ frame, STA0 stands byto receive training frames respectively sent from the recipients STA1 toSTA3 to which the TRQ frame was respectively addressed. At the time ofreceiving training frames, STA0 has still not conducted adaptive arrayantenna learning, and thus it is necessary for STA0 to use one of theantenna elements to simultaneously receive a plurality of trainingframes. At this point, it becomes possible for STA0 to avoid collisionsand receive the leading, backwards-compatible field parts of thesimultaneously sent training frames in the case where the followingthree conditions are satisfied.

-   (1) The OFDM modulation scheme is used.-   (2) The oscillators of the respective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3    operate so as to correct the frequency error with the oscillator    used by STA0.-   (3) The stated contents of the relevant fields in the training    frames sent by the respective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 are all    identical.

The OFDM modulation scheme in condition (1) is known to be resilient tomultipath fading. Also, condition (2) can be satisfied by having therespective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 carry out frequency correctionwhen receiving a TRQ frame from STA0. By carrying out frequencycorrection, the delay times at which the training frames simultaneouslysent from the respective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 arrive at STA0are guaranteed to fall within the guard interval. Additionally, as citedby condition (3), if the relevant fields in the respective stationsSTA1, STA2, and STA3 identical stated contents, they can be handledsimilarly to ordinary multipath, and it becomes possible tosimultaneously receive training frames using a single antenna element.

Meanwhile, STA0 uses the plurality of antenna elements 21-1, 21-2, . . ., 21-N to receive the trailing fields of the training frames which arenot backwards-compatible with the legacy standard and which containestablished sequences for training. By respectively assigning uniquecode sequences to the respective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 inadvance as the established sequences for training, STA0 is able tospatially separate the individual sequences. However, the establishedsequences naturally become longer as the number of stations conductingmultiple access by space-division increases, due to the need todistinguish them individually.

Then, STA0 uses a given adaptive algorithm such as the RLS algorithm tolearn adaptive array antenna weights on the basis of the respectiveestablished sequences. Thereafter, the plurality of antenna elements21-1, 21-2, . . . , 21-N provided in STA0 function as an adaptive arrayantenna, and it becomes possible for STA0 to conduct space-divisionmultiple access.

Meanwhile, in the case where STA4, which only obeys the legacy standard,receives one of the above training frames which do not include STA4itself as a recipient, STA4 mistakenly believes due to spoofing(discussed earlier) that the training frame will continue until the timeat which transmission of subsequent ACK frames ends, and refrains fromtransmission operations.

After a given frame interval SIFS has elapsed since completely receivingthe training frames from the respective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3,STA0 respectively transmits data frames (DATA 0-1, DATA 0-2, DATA 0-3)individually addressed to the respective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3.By using the adaptive array antenna weights learned above, STA0 is ableto apply space-division multiplexing to a plurality of data frames andtransmit them simultaneously.

In response, and after a given frame interval SIFS has elapsed sincecompletely receiving the data frames (DATA 0-1, DATA 0-2, DATA 0-3)respectively addressed to STA1 to STA3 themselves, the respectivestations STA1, STA2, and STA3 simultaneously reply with ACK frames (ACK1-0, ACK 2-0, ACK 3-0).

The plurality of antenna elements 21-1, 21-2, . . . , 21-N at STA0 arealready functioning as an adaptive array antenna, and are able tospatially separate the plurality of simultaneously received ACK frames(ACK 1-0, ACK 2-0, ACK 3-0) for each user. For example, by respectivelystating the addresses of the stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 as theindividual transmitter addresses in the respective ACK frames, STA0 isable to identify the source of each received ACK frame. Also, if theestablished sequences for training are also included in the ACK frames,STA0 is able to make the learned adaptive array antenna weightsadaptively comply with environmental changes on the basis of theestablished sequences included in the received ACK frames.

In the case where STA4, which obeys the legacy standard, receives one ofthe above data frames not addressed to STA4 itself, STA4 sets a NAVcounter value on the basis of information stated in the frame'sduration, and refrains from transmission operations. Also, in the casewhere STA4, which obeys the legacy standard, receives one of the aboveACK frames not addressed to STA4 itself, STA4 sets a NAV counter valueon the basis of information stated in the frame's duration, and refrainsfrom transmission operations.

As the communication sequence illustrated in FIG. 4 by way of exampledemonstrates, an STA0 conducting space-division multiple access is ableto optimally learn adaptive array antenna weights, and furthermore,after learning weights STA0 is able to improve one-to-many throughput,or in other words overall throughput for multiple users, by sharingwireless resources on a spatial axis among a plurality of users andmultiplexing and transmitting a plurality of data frames addressed tomultiple users.

As discussed above, with IEEE 802.11n, an RD protocol is adopted inorder to make data transmission in a TXOP more efficient. FIG. 5illustrates a modification applying an RD protocol to the exemplarycommunication sequence illustrated in FIG. 4. In this case, uplink anddownlink data transfer is conducted in a single TXOP due to data framesbeing simultaneously sent to an access point from the respectivestations STA1 to STA3. However, in FIG. 5, STA0 acting as the accesspoint is taken to be the RD initiator, while the respective terminalsSTA1 to STA3 are taken to be RD responders.

Upon conducting advance carrier sense and a backoff to acquire a TXOP,STA0 acting as the access point first transmits a TRQ frame.

In response, and after a given frame interval SIFS has elapsed sincereceiving the TRQ frame stating the addresses of STA1 to STA3 themselvesas recipient addresses, the respective stations STA1 to STA3respectively and simultaneously reply with training frames (Training 1,Training 2, Training 3) containing established sequences which can beused for adaptive array antenna learning.

STA0 uses a given adaptive algorithm such as the RLS algorithm to learnadaptive array antenna weights on the basis of the established sequencesincluded in the respective training frames. Thereafter, the plurality ofantenna elements 21-1, 21-2, . . . , 21-N provided in STA0 function asan adaptive array antenna, and it becomes possible for STA0 to conductspace-division multiple access.

Additionally, after a given frame interval SIFS has elapsed sincecompletely receiving the training frames from the respective stationsSTA1, STA2, and STA3, STA0 respectively transmits downlink frames, or inother words data frames (DATA 0-1, DATA 0-2, DATA 0-3) individuallyaddressed to the respective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3. By using theadaptive array antenna weights learned above, STA0 is able to applyspace-division multiplexing to this plurality of data frames andtransmit them simultaneously.

Also, STA0 indicates an RDG (RD Grant) for the respective stations STA1,STA2, and STA3 in the MAC frame of each data frame (DATA 0-1, DATA 0-2,DATA 0-3).

Upon recognizing that reverse direction, or in other words uplink, datatransfer using the RD protocol has been permitted or granted, therespective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 simultaneously reply with ACKframes (ACK 1-0, ACK 2-0, ACK 3-0) after a given frame interval SIFS haselapsed since completely receiving the data frames. Furthermore, therespective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 subsequently and respectivelytransmit reverse direction data frames (DATA 1-0, DATA 2-0, DATA 3-0)addressed to STA0.

The plurality of antenna elements 21-1, 21-2, . . . , 21-N are alreadyfunctioning as an adaptive antenna, and thus STA0 is able to spatiallyseparate the plurality of simultaneously received reverse direction dataframes (DATA 1-0, DATA 2-0, DATA 3-0) for each user. Then, STA0simultaneously replies with ACK frames addressed to the respectivestations STA1, STA2, and STA3 after a given frame interval SIFS haselapsed since completely receiving the respective data frames.

In the exemplary communication sequence illustrated in FIG. 5, it isdrawn such that the reverse direction data frames (DATA 1-0, DATA 2-0,DATA 3-0) simultaneously sent from the respective stations STA1, STA2,and STA3 according to the RD protocol have identical frame lengths.However, in many wireless LAN systems, a variable-length frame format isimplemented, and each user's frame lengths are expected to be differentwhen passed from an upper layer. Furthermore, if the frame lengths ofthe respective data frames ultimately output from the PHY layer of therespective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 are still different, thenunstable operation with respect to AGC will occur at STA0 receiving themas the amount of frame multiplexing increases or decreases whilereceiving the data frames.

Thus, in the present embodiment, the respective stations STA1, STA2, andSTA3 that simultaneously transmit data frames to STA0 by uplink inaccordance with the RD protocol are configured to output the individualreverse direction data frames (DATA 1-0, DATA 2-0, DATA 3-0) withuniform frame lengths when ultimately outputting the frames from the PHYlayer. For example, the frame lengths can be adjusted at the PHY layeroutput stage by suitably padding the frames with short frame lengths.

However, the frame “length” referred to herein is taken to include themeaning of time-wise length, number of symbols, number of bits, and datasize. Also, frame padding may be conducted taking bits or symbols asminimum units.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary communication sequence for the case of astation STA0 which operates as an access point being the data source andrespective stations STA1 to STA3 which operate as terminals being datarecipients, wherein an RD protocol is applied and the frame lengths aremade the same for data frames sent in the reverse direction by therespective stations STA1 to STA3.

Upon conducting advance carrier sense and a backoff to acquire a TXOP,STA0 acting as the access point first transmits a TRQ frame.

In response, and after a given frame interval SIFS has elapsed sincereceiving the TRQ frame stating the addresses of STA1 to STA3 themselvesas recipient addresses, the respective stations STA1 to STA3respectively and simultaneously reply with training frames (Training 1,Training 2, Training 3) containing established sequences which can beused for adaptive array antenna learning.

STA0 uses a given adaptive algorithm such as the RLS algorithm to learnadaptive array antenna weights on the basis of the established sequencesincluded in the respective training frames (Training 1, Training 2,Training 3). Thereafter, the plurality of antenna elements 21-1, 21-2, .. . , 21-N provided in STA0 function as an adaptive array antenna, andit becomes possible for STA0 to conduct space-division multiple access.

Additionally, after a given frame interval SIFS has elapsed sincecompletely receiving the training frames from the respective stationsSTA1, STA2, and STA3, STA0 respectively transmits downlink frames, or inother words data frames (DATA 0-1, DATA 0-2, DATA 0-3) individuallyaddressed to the respective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3. By using theadaptive array antenna weights learned above, STA0 is able to applyspace-division multiplexing to the plurality of data frames and transmitthem simultaneously.

Also, STA0 indicates an RDG (RD Grant) for the respective stations STA1,STA2, and STA3 in the MAC frame of each data frame (DATA 0-1, DATA 0-2,DATA 0-3).

Upon recognizing that reverse direction, or in other words uplink, datatransfer using the RD protocol has been permitted or granted, therespective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 simultaneously reply with ACKframes (ACK 1-0, ACK 2-0, ACK 3-0) after a given frame interval SIFS haselapsed since completely receiving the data frames. Furthermore, therespective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 subsequently and respectivelytransmit reverse direction data frames (DATA 1-0, DATA 2-0, DATA 3-0)addressed to STA0.

At this point, the respective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 conducts aframe length adjustment process such that the frame length of the dataframe ultimately output from each station's own PHY layer is a fixedlength.

Herein, one example of a processing method for making respective framelengths the same is padding the data part of frames which do not satisfya given length. In the illustrated example, DATA 2-0 and DATA 3-0 arerespectively padded, both being shorter than DATA 1-0. The bits orsymbols used for padding are preferably established among thecommunication apparatus exchanging padded frames.

Also, in order for the respective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 to makethe ultimate frame lengths the same for the data frames to be sent byuplink, it is necessary to make the respective stations STA1, STA2, andSTA3 recognize a target frame length in advance. A method wherein theaccess point STA0 reports a common frame length in conjunction withindicating an RDG or a method that defines an uplink frame length with acommunication protocol may be cited as examples.

Meanwhile, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the padding area isdisposed in a block after the data part, but the principal matter of thepresent invention is not limited to a specific padding method. Althoughnot illustrated, a method that disposes the padding area in a blockbefore the data part, a method that finely divides up the padding areaand disposes padding positions distributed throughout the data part, andadditionally, a method that disposes padding positions evenlydistributed inside the data part, or a method that disposes paddingpositions unevenly distributed inside the data part may be cited.

The plurality of antenna elements 21-1, 21-2, . . . , 21-N are alreadyfunctioning as an adaptive antenna, and thus STA0 is able to spatiallyseparate the plurality of simultaneously received reverse direction dataframes (DATA 1-0, DATA 2-0, DATA 3-0) for each user. Then, STA0 removesthe padded symbols from the separated data frames, and decodes the data.Also, STA0 simultaneously replies with ACK frames addressed to therespective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 after a given frame intervalSIFS has elapsed since completely receiving the respective data frames.

In the exemplary communication sequence illustrated in FIG. 6, it isdrawn such that the data frames (DATA 0-1, DATA 0-2, DATA 0-3)individually addressed to the respective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3from the access point STA0 have identical frame lengths. However, in thecase where a variable-length frame format is implemented, this pluralityof data frames to be multiplexed at the same time are not limited tohaving identical frame lengths. In the case where the multiplexed dataframes addressed to the respective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 do nothave identical frame lengths, if the respective stations STA1, STA2, andSTA3 try to initiate uplink data frame transfer based on the times atwhich they respectively received the data frames at their own stations,the reverse direction data frames (DATA 1-0, DATA 2-0, DATA 3-0) willnot be multiplexed at the same time. As a result, the access point STA0will become unable to conduct user separation.

Thus, in the present embodiment, the respective stations STA1, STA2, andSTA3 that simultaneously transmit data frames to STA0 by uplink inaccordance with the RD protocol are configured to transmit theirindividual reverse direction data frames (DATA 1-0, DATA 2-0, DATA 3-0)at the same time, regardless of the times at which the frames indicatingthe individual RDGs are received. Also, the individual reverse directiondata frames (DATA 1-0, DATA 2-0, DATA 3-0) are taken to have fixed framelengths.

Herein, the respective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 must recognize eachother's times at which the data frames (DATA 1-0, DATA 2-0, DATA 3-0)are sent by uplink. A method that additionally reports information onframe transmitting times by the respective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3when the access point STA0 indicates RDGs may be cited, for example.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary communication sequence for the case of astation STA0 which operates as an access point being the data source andrespective stations STA1 to STA3 which operate as terminals being datarecipients, wherein an RD protocol is applied and the respectivestations STA1 to STA3 transmit reverse direction data frames at the sametime.

Upon conducting advance carrier sense and a backoff to acquire a TXOP,STA0 acting as the access point first transmits a TRQ frame.

In response, and after a given frame interval SIFS has elapsed sincereceiving the TRQ frame stating the addresses of STA1 to STA3 themselvesas recipient addresses, the respective stations STA1 to STA3respectively and simultaneously reply with training frames (Training 1,Training 2, Training 3) containing established sequences which can beused for adaptive array antenna learning.

STA0 uses a given adaptive algorithm such as the RLS algorithm to learnadaptive array antenna weights on the basis of the established sequencesincluded in the respective training frames. Thereafter, the plurality ofantenna elements 21-1, 21-2, . . . , 21-N provided in STA0 function asan adaptive array antenna, and it becomes possible for STA0 to conductspace-division multiple access.

Additionally, after a given frame interval SIFS has elapsed sincecompletely receiving the training frames from the respective stationsSTA1, STA2, and STA3, STA0 respectively transmits downlink frames, or inother words data frames (DATA 0-1, DATA 0-2, DATA 0-3) individuallyaddressed to the respective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3. By using theadaptive array antenna weights learned above, STA0 is able to applyspace-division multiplexing to this plurality of data frames andtransmit them simultaneously.

Also, STA0 indicates an RDG (RD Grant) for the respective stations STA1,STA2, and STA3 in the MAC frame of each data frame (DATA 0-1, DATA 0-2,DATA 0-3). However, the respective data frames that STA0 transmits tothe respective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 have different framelengths as illustrated, with DATA 2-0 and DATA 3-0 being shorter thanDATA 1-0.

Upon recognizing that reverse direction, or in other words uplink, datatransfer using the RD protocol has been permitted or granted, therespective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 conduct a frame lengthadjustment process such that the data frames ultimately output from thePHY layer of the respective stations have fixed frame lengths. Asdiscussed earlier, the respective data frames that STA0 transmits to therespective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 have different frame lengths,and the individual reception end times do not match. However, therespective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 are configured tosimultaneously reply with ACK frames (ACK 1-0, ACK 2-0, ACK 3-0) at thesame time reported in conjunction with the RDGs. Furthermore, therespective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 subsequently and respectivelytransmit reverse direction data frames (DATA 1-0, DATA 2-0, DATA 3-0)addressed to STA0.

The plurality of antenna elements 21-1, 21-2, . . . , 21-N are alreadyfunctioning as an adaptive antenna, and thus STA0 is able to spatiallyseparate the plurality of simultaneously received reverse direction dataframes (DATA 1-0, DATA 2-0, DATA 3-0) for each user. Then, STA0 removesthe padded symbols from the separated data frames and decodes the data.Also, STA0 simultaneously replies with ACK frames addressed to therespective stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 after a given frame intervalSIFS has elapsed since completely receiving the respective data frames.

FIG. 8 illustrates a processing sequence in flowchart form wherein,given the communication sequences illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, thecommunication apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2 operates as an accesspoint (STA0) and transmits multiplexed frames addressed to a pluralityof stations at the same time. As discussed above, in the communicationsequences, an RD protocol is applied with the access point fulfillingthe role of RD initiator.

The processing routine activates in response to a data transmissionrequest being produced in an upper layer, or to an uplink data receptionrequest being produced. The access point conducts physical carriersensing in advance to determine that the medium is clear, andadditionally conducts a backoff, etc. to acquire a TXOP. Then, theaccess point transmits a training request (TRQ) frame to one or moreterminals (STA1 to STA3) to which the access point wants to transmitmultiplexed data (or from which the access point wants to receive databy uplink) (step S1).

Then, once a given frame interval SIFS (Short Inter Frame Space) elapsesafter completely transmitting the TRQ frame, the access point stands byto receive training frames sent in reply from the respective trainingrequest recipients (STA1 to STA3) (step S2).

At this point, when the access point was not able to receive a trainingframe from any of the training request recipients (STA1 to STA3) (stepS3, No), the process proceeds to a TRQ frame retransmit process.However, detailed description of a frame retransmit processing sequenceis omitted.

In contrast, when the access point was able to receive a training framefrom one or more of the training request recipients (STA1 to STA3) (stepS3, Yes), the access point uses established sequences for learning thatare respectively included in the received training frames to learnadaptive array antenna weights.

Subsequently, the access point checks whether or not there is an uplinkdata reception request with respect to a terminal from which a trainingframe could be received, or whether or not there is room in the TXOP(step S4).

At this point, when there is no uplink data reception request or whenthere is a data reception request but no room in the TXOP (step S4, No),the access point multiplexes and transmits frames without indicating anRDG after a given frame interval SIFS has elapsed since completelyreceiving the training frames. The overall processing routine ends.

At this point, by using the learned adaptive array antenna weights, theaccess point is able to apply space-division multiplexing to data framesaddressed to a plurality of terminals and transmit them simultaneously.However, since learning was not conducted for terminals from which atraining frame could not be received, and since it is unclear whethersuch terminals even exist within communicable range, it is configuredsuch that the access point refrains from transmitting data framesthereto. Also, the access point may adjust the respective frames to bemultiplexed and sent such that their frame lengths become uniform.

In contrast, when there is an uplink data reception request and alsoroom in the TXOP (step S4, Yes), the access point includes an RDG fieldspecifying transmit opportunity grant start time, transmit opportunitygrant end time, and frame length in the data frames addressed to therespective terminals (step S5), and transmits them at the same time(step S6).

At this point, by using the learned adaptive array antenna weights, theaccess point is able to apply space-division multiplexing to data framesaddressed to a plurality of terminals and transmit them simultaneously.Also, the access point may adjust the respective frames to bemultiplexed and sent such that their frame lengths become uniform.

After that, the access point stands by to receive ACK frames and dataframes simultaneously sent from the respective terminals (step S7).Then, once the data frames are received, the access point replies withACK frames after a given frame interval SIFS has elapsed. The overallprocessing routine ends.

FIG. 9 illustrates a processing sequence in flowchart format wherein,given the communication sequences illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, thecommunication apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2 operates as one of theterminals (STA1 to STA3) and transmits multiplexed frames addressed to aplurality of stations at the same time. As discussed earlier, in thecommunication sequence, an RD protocol is applied with the terminalfulfilling the role of RD responder.

After a given frame interval SIFS has elapsed since completely receivinga TRQ frame from an access point (step S11, Yes), the terminal repliesto the access point with a training frame (step S12).

Then, once a given frame interval SIFS elapses after the training frameis completely sent (step S13, Yes), the terminal stands by to receive adata frame sent from the access point (step S14).

Upon receiving the downlink data frame from the access point, theterminal checks whether or not an RDG field indicating a transmitopportunity grant has been added (step S15).

In the case where an RDG field has not been added to the received dataframe (step S15, No), the terminal replies to the access point with anACK frame after a given frame interval SIFS has elapsed since completelyreceiving the data frame. The processing routine ends.

In the case where an RDG field has been added to the received dataframe, the terminal additionally checks whether or not there existstransmit uplink data addressed to the access point which is the sourceof the data frame (step S16).

When transmit uplink data addressed to the access point does not exist(step S16, No), the terminal replies to the access point with an ACKframe after a given frame interval SIFS has elapsed since completelyreceiving the data frame. The processing routine ends.

In contrast, in the case where transmit uplink data addressed to theaccess point does exist (step S16, Yes), the terminal consecutivelytransmits an ACK frame and an uplink data frame to the access pointafter a given frame interval SIFS has elapsed since completely receivingthe data frame. At this point, the terminal transmits the data framewhile respecting the transmit start time and the frame length specifiedin the RDG field (step S17). The processing routine ends.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The foregoing has thus described the present invention in detail andwith reference to specific embodiments. However, it is obvious thatpersons skilled in the art may make adjustments or substitutions to suchembodiments within a scope that does not depart from the principalmatter of the present invention.

In this specification, an embodiment applied to a new wireless LANstandard such as IEEE 802.11ac attempting to realize very highthroughput of 1 Gbps was primarily described, but the principal matterof the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, thepresent invention may be similarly applied to other wireless LAN systemswherein wireless resources on a spatial axis are shared among aplurality of users, or to various wireless systems other than LAN.

In short, the present invention has been disclosed in the form ofexamples, and the stated content of this specification is not to beinterpreted in a limiting manner. The principal matter of the presentinvention should be determined in conjunction with the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   20-1, 20-2, . . . transmit/receive signal branch-   21-1, 21-2, . . . antenna element-   22-1, 22-2, . . . duplexer-   23-1, 23-2, . . . transmit signal processor-   24-1, 24-2, . . . receive signal processor-   25 data processor-   30 transmit/receive signal branch-   31 antenna element-   32 duplexer-   33 transmit signal processor-   34 receive signal processor-   35 data processor

The invention claimed is:
 1. A communication apparatus, comprising:circuitry configured to: generate a plurality of media access control(MAC) information fields that include trigger information, wherein thetrigger information indicates that reverse direction frame transmissionis permitted, and wherein the plurality of MAC information fields areaddressed to respective communication apparatuses of a plurality ofcommunication apparatuses; transmit the plurality of MAC informationfields in a first frame duration to the plurality of communicationapparatuses; and receive, in a second frame duration, a plurality ofresponse frames compliant with the trigger information sent from eachcommunication apparatus of the plurality of communication apparatuses,respectively, wherein the plurality of response frames have same framelength.
 2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thecommunication apparatus further comprises a plurality of antennaelements configured to transmit the plurality of MAC information fields,and receive the plurality of response frames.
 3. The communicationapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the circuitry is furtherconfigured to specify, by the trigger information, the frame length forthe plurality of response frames.
 4. The communication apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the circuitry is further configured tospecify, by the trigger information, that an uplink multi-userMulti-Input Multi-Output (MU-MIMO) is used for the plurality of responseframes.
 5. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theplurality of response frames are data frames.
 6. A communicationapparatus, comprising: circuitry configured to: generate a reversedirection response frame that has a frame length specified by triggerinformation, wherein the generation of the reverse direction responseframe is based on a reception of a plurality of Media Access Control(MAC) information fields addressed to the communication apparatus,wherein the plurality of MAC information fields include the triggerinformation which indicates that reverse direction frame transmission ispermitted, and wherein the plurality of MAC information fields are sentin a first frame duration; and transmit the reverse direction responseframe in a second frame duration concurrently with a plurality ofcommunication apparatuses that transmit respective reverse directionresponse frames, wherein the reverse direction response framestransmitted from the plurality of communication apparatuses have theframe length specified by the trigger information.
 7. The communicationapparatus according to claim 6, wherein the circuitry is furtherconfigured to transmit the reverse direction response frame at a time.8. The communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein thecircuitry is further configured to pad the reverse direction responseframe such that, the reverse direction response frame has the framelength specified by the trigger information.
 9. The communicationapparatus according to claim 6, wherein the trigger information furtherindicates that an uplink multi-user Multi-Input Multi-Output (MU-MIMO)is used for the reverse direction response frame, and the circuitry isfurther configured to execute the uplink MU-MIMO for the reversedirection response frame based on the trigger information.
 10. Thecommunication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the reversedirection response frame is a data frame.
 11. A communication method,comprising: generating a plurality of Media Access Control (MAC)information fields that include trigger information, wherein the triggerinformation indicates that reverse direction frame transmission ispermitted, and wherein the plurality of MAC information fields areaddressed to respective communication apparatuses of a plurality ofcommunication apparatuses; transmitting the plurality of MAC informationfields in a first frame duration to the plurality of communicationapparatuses; and receiving, in a second frame duration, a plurality ofresponse frames compliant with the trigger information sent from eachcommunication apparatus of the plurality of communication apparatuses,respectively, wherein the plurality of response frames have same framelength.
 12. A communication method, comprising: in a communicationapparatus: generating a reverse direction response frame that has aframe length specified by trigger information, wherein the generating ofthe reverse direction response frame is based on a reception of aplurality of Media Access Control (MAC) information fields, addressed tothe communication apparatus, that include the trigger information whichindicates that reverse direction frame transmission is permitted, andwherein the plurality of MAC information fields are sent in a firstframe duration; and transmitting the reverse direction response frame ina second frame duration simultaneously with a plurality of communicationapparatuses that transmit respective reverse direction response frames,wherein the reverse direction response frames transmitted from theplurality of communication apparatuses have the frame length specifiedby the trigger information.
 13. A communication device, comprising:circuitry configured to: generate a plurality of media access control(MAC) information fields that include trigger information, wherein thetrigger information indicates that reverse direction frame transmissionis permitted, and wherein the plurality of MAC information fields areaddressed to respective destinations of a plurality of destinations;transmit the plurality of MAC information fields in a first frameduration to the plurality of destinations; and receive, in a secondframe duration, a plurality of response frames compliant with thetrigger information sent from the respective destinations of theplurality of destinations, wherein the plurality of response frames havesame frame length.
 14. The communication device according to claim 13,wherein the circuitry is further configured to specify, by the triggerinformation, the frame length for the plurality of response frames. 15.The communication device according to claim 13, wherein the circuitry isfurther configured to specify, by the trigger information, that anuplink multi-user Multi-Input Multi-Output (MU-MIMO) is used for theplurality of response frames.
 16. A communication device, comprising:circuitry configured to: generate a reverse direction response framethat has a frame length specified by trigger information, wherein thegeneration of the reverse direction response frame is based on areception of a plurality of Media Access Control (MAC) informationfields addressed to the communication device, wherein the plurality ofMAC information fields that include the trigger information whichindicates that reverse direction frame transmission is permitted, andwherein the plurality of MAC information fields are sent in a firstframe duration; transmit the reverse direction response frame in asecond frame duration at a time, wherein the trigger information furtherindicates that an uplink multi-user Multi-Input Multi-Output (MU-MIMO)is used for the reverse direction response frame, and execute the uplinkMU-MIMO for the reverse direction response frame based on the triggerinformation.
 17. The communication device according to claim 16, whereinthe circuitry is further configured to pad the reverse directionresponse frame such that the reverse direction response frame has theframe length specified by the trigger information.
 18. The communicationdevice according to claim 16, wherein the reverse direction responseframe is a data frame.